Biomedical Engineer's Role in Improving the Management of Devices Used for Genomic Medicine Research

摘要

Today the biomedical engineers are very important in different health institutions around the world, yet the same impact has not been seen in research. All devices that are being used in biotechnology research have the same life cycle as in health care, so research units can learn from the biomedical engineers on how to improve the use of their instruments. The roles of biomedical engineers in the National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN) are: (1) establish policies and guidelines to ensure that the technology used in research protocols is reliable and safe throughout development, (2) implementation and evaluations of technology management programs ensuring quality processes, (3) covering demand and (4) complying with national and international rules for biomedical devices. Additionally, we have developed and implemented tools to define the needs for new technologies that will be incorporated into the Institute as well as establish technical guidelines for the acquisition through technology assessments and a cost/benefit analysis. Furthermore, we designed and implemented training programs for research staff, in order to optimize resources. Currently there are many tools for the management of medical devices, but we developed new management tools for research devices based upon medical device management tools. Ours results are: (1) increased use of the technology, (2) improved security, (3) increase in the confidence of the research protocols, (4) the researchers spent less time managing technology, (5) higher quality results, and (6) lower costs. We have found it necessary and useful to promote the participation of biomedical engineers in the management of research devices through their knowledge and tools to improve the resources in biotechnology research. Articles from Journal of Biomolecular Techniques : JBT are provided here courtesy of The Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities.